The Patriots' innovative plans with Tank Williams, which included the longtime safety playing more of a linebacker-like role, have gone by the wayside. A knee injury has ended Williams's season, with the team placing him on injured reserve yesterday.

Williams injured the knee on kickoff coverage with 3:14 remaining in the second quarter of Thursday's exhibition opener against the Ravens.

The loss is significant, as the Patriots had spent more than 10 practices at the start of training camp with Williams working at first-string inside linebacker in their 3-4 alignment. That the Patriots devoted such extensive time to Williams was an indication he was a big part of their plans.

The 28-year-old Williams wasn't necessarily expected to be a full-time starter at linebacker, but was likely to be part of a package that could be called against teams that spread the field with three or more wide receivers. At 6 feet 2 inches and 223 pounds, Williams is big for a safety and on the small side for a linebacker, so it appeared the Patriots were looking to use him as a hybrid.